From Sydney City to Second Overall Draft Pick

[Blueline]

It wasn't an easy change for Sean O'Leary to get settled in with his new team in Athenai. Lots of new faces, a new city, a new field, but the same old game he loves. At least that would always be something he could fall back on. The fans and organization have high expectations for their number two selection in last year's draft. Sean O'Leary would have an immediate impact for his new club. Match 1 would be against a good Montreal team. O'Leary would help Athenai force a draw in a game that some have said without his presence would have been a loss. The young striker assisted on the game tying goal and his overall performance would earn him player of the match. Match 2 would be against one of the toughest opponents in division 2, FC Kaapstad. Unfortunately, O'leary would not find the scoresheet and Athenai would lose 1-3. Tough loss, but critics called out Sean O'Leary directly for a "pathetic effort" and questioned his ability to lead Athenai against tough opponents. Going into match 3, the pressure put on O'Leary to perform was palpable. Cairo City would be a great bounce back game as they are a very well-rounded team. Cairo City jumped out to an early 2 goal lead and the Athenai fans let O'Leary hear it. Cairo City would not let up and would notch their third goal of the game in second half. When Athenai looked to be rolling over, Sean O'Leary went out and found the back of the net twice to bring Athenai within striking distance. The fans were ecstatic at a chance at coming back. Unfortunately, a bad turnover would go the other way for a goal against. Cairo City would take the win 4-2. The fans did not hold back and chants of "Second Overall Bust!" and "You Suck O'Leary" filled a small section of the stadium as he made his way off the field. Athenai was dead last in the standings, something needed to change.

[Blueline]

The media was out in full force. Bombarding Athenai players with questions about Sean O'Leary's ability to lead or that he was a locker room cancer. Some players took offense to the questioning and thought it was ridiculous. Other players refused to answer all together. Which the media ran with. Headlines stated, "O'Leary suffocating Athenai offense, teammates afraid to speak up". What would some of these critics give to be a fly on the wall in the Athenai locker room to get that inside scoop. Well if they actually watched the games, they would understand that Athenai has struggled immensely as a team on defense. Giving up way too many prime scoring chances, giving up early on 50/50 balls or just getting physically pushed around. Unfortunately, the struggle would continue as they would lose handedly in their next 3 games. Athenai would score only 1 goal and give up 15 over that stretch. The focus from the media started to make its way to the head coach. Calling him out for not allowing players like O'Leary and company to flourish. The team was in disarray and the only thing that could get them out of it was a hard-fought 90+ min win. Athenai would find the back of the net 3 times in a 3-2 win over Seoul MFC. And a dominating 6-0 win against AS Paris to put them in 6th place in division 2.